Match scheduled:
Date: 21-01-2011
South Africa v India at Port Elizabeth, 4th ODI
LIVE CRICKET TV
India are on the verge of getting their first ODI series win in South Africa, having triumphed in the 2nd One Day International, at Durban. India is fast emerging as one of the favourites to win the up-coming World Cup, scheduled to be held in their own backyard next month. India came to South Africa looking to maintain their status as the number one Test team in the world, and, after levelling the 3 match test series 1-1, they were able to stay on top of the standings.
The Indians won the solitary T-20 match on the tour, but South Africa comprehensively won the first One Day International. The Indians staged a spectacular comeback in the 2nd ODI, and the win gave them enough momentum to carry on their great form to the 3rd match, after which they are in the lead, 2-1.
The Indians will be looking to the 4th ODI as well. There would be some changes in the Indian team for the match; Parthiv Patel, the left handed wicketkeeper, is to be included in the team, in the opening slot. Even though the keeper is not listed in the World Cup squad, he would be used to provide cover as an opener for the series. Yousuf Pathan would, once again, be a key player- considering his match winning innings from the last game, the explosive hitter would be a prized wicket for South Africa. Yuvraj Singh is trying to find his best form, and looks to be getting there slowly. The left hander is one of the most gifted batsmen in the world of cricket and if he gets his touch back, he can be crucial in the middle of the innings for India. Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan have been impressive throughout the tour, in all formats of the game.
The bowling attack for South Africa seems to be doing quite well, and it is the batting that has let them down most recently. Morne Morkel has been using the high bounce to good effect, while Dale Steyn is in the form of his life. The number one ranked bowler in the world continues to bowl spectacular out-swingers at lethal pace up front, and has proven to be lethal in the final overs.
India should go into the 4th game as favourites considering their form in the last two games, but, rest assured, South Africa would come angry and prepared.
TEAM LINE UP
South Africa: Graeme Smith (c), Hashim Amla, Colin Ingram, AB de Villiers (wk), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Johan Botha, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.
India: Parthiv Patel, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Munaf Patel.
